The last below the top-flight club to make the final was Maccabi Netanya in 2014, they have since been promoted to the Israeli Premier League.

Maccabi Petah Tikva are the current Israel State Cup holders, having beaten Hapoel Be'er Sheva 1–0 in the final for their third title.

If a match is drawn, the game is settled with extra time and penalty shootouts, though until 1964 replays would be played until one team was victorious.

Lower-ranked clubs with reputations as 'giant-killers' look forward to meeting a top team at home, although in some cases the expense of providing policing for a game can outweigh any financial windfall from larger crowds.

Mid-ranked teams hope for a draw against a peer to improve their chances of reaching future rounds.

The semifinals and the finals were traditionally held in the Ramat Gan Stadium in the middle of the week (Tuesday or Wednesday).